1.Establishing the 2025 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans: lessons learned, current challenges, and the path forward
Ji-Yun HWANG ; Kirang KIM ; Jae Eun SHIM ; Hyesook KIM ; Yun-Jung BAE ; Jounghee LEE ; Mi Ock YOON ; Su-Jin LEE
Journal of Nutrition and Health 2026;59(2):93-114
This review summarizes the establishment of the 2025 Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs), the third national standard for nutrient reference values in Korea. The 2025KDRIs build on lessons from revisions in 2010, 2015, and 2020, and chart a path forward by addressing 4 priorities: upgrading the scientific evidence base through systematic evaluation, strengthening intake monitoring using national survey data, advancing international harmonization, and responding to changes in the nutrition and health environment, including those associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The scientific basis of the KDRIs was advanced by systematically evaluating the findings across exposure indicators, health assessment indicators, and the health outcomes, and reorganizing the indicators to estimate the nutrient requirements. Adequate Intake was set using explicit criteria when an Estimated Average Requirement could not be derived, data gaps, uncertain outcomes, and limited representativeness were documented. Key inputs, including coefficients of variation and uncertainty factors, as well as life stage estimation procedures, were re-evaluated in alignment with current evidence and international standards. The 2025 KDRIs incorporate intake evidence from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to inform policy and practice and support intake monitoring. For international harmonization, the NUQUEST-based literature framework was updated, and recent DRIs from other countries were compared. The shifts in anthropometric characteristics and dietary intake patterns observed during the COVID-19 pandemic were considered to reflect a changing context. The review identified remaining challenges for future revisions, including validating Koreanspecific indicators, developing evidence for infants and older adults, stronger translation of reference values into policy and practice, prioritizing of nutrients for future review within the 5-year revision cycle. Together, these advances will position the 2025 KDRIs as a science-based national reference integrating policy, practice, and evidence to support implementation aimed at improving nutritional status and healthy life expectancy in Korea.
2.Spontaneous and simultaneous bilateral middle meningeal arteriovenous fistula: A case report
Gi-Yong YUN ; Jae-Min AHN ; Jong-Hyun PARK ; Hyuk-Jin OH ; Jai-Joon SHIM ; Seok-Mann YOON
Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery 2026;28(1):49-56
Middle meningeal arteriovenous fistulas (MMAVFs) are known as rare diseases, often associated with head trauma, with idiopathic cases being exceedingly uncommon. Here, we present a clinical case of spontaneous and simultaneous bilateral MMAVFs in a 37-year-old woman. She presented with persistent pulsatile tinnitus but no history of head trauma. Bilateral MMAVFs were identified via Time-of-Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography. Subsequent digital subtraction angiography revealed a fistula between the middle meningeal artery (MMA) and middle meningeal vein (MMV) without definite intracranial venous reflux. We had planned coil embolization via a trans-arterial approach for both sides. Remarkably, after six days, the right-sided MMAVF observed in the previous external carotid artery (ECA) angiogram disappeared spontaneously. The left-sided MMAVF was successfully treated with coil embolization, achieving complete obliteration of fistula flow. Postoperatively, the patient’s pulsatile tinnitus disappeared, and she was discharged without medication. There are a few possible mechanisms of spontaneous MMAVFs, such as middle meningeal artery aneurysm and trivial head trauma. Trans-arterial embolization with coils appears to be an effective and safe treatment option for complete obliteration of fistula flow.
3.Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia: Recommendations for Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Memantine
Yeshin KIM ; Dong Woo KANG ; Geon Ha KIM ; Ko Woon KIM ; Hee-Jin KIM ; Seunghee NA ; Kee Hyung PARK ; Young Ho PARK ; Gihwan BYEON ; Jeewon SUH ; Joon Hyun SHIN ; YongSoo SHIM ; YoungSoon YANG ; Yoo Hyun UM ; Seong-il OH ; Sheng-Min WANG ; Bora YOON ; Sun Min LEE ; Juyoun LEE ; Jin San LEE ; Jae-Sung LIM ; Young Hee JUNG ; Juhee CHIN ; Hyemin JANG ; Miyoung CHOI ; Yun Jeong HONG ; Hak Young RHEE ; Jae-Won JANG ;
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2025;24(1):1-23
Background:
and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia.
Methods:
Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.
Results:
Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects.
Conclusions
This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.
4.Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia: Recommendations for Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Memantine
Yeshin KIM ; Dong Woo KANG ; Geon Ha KIM ; Ko Woon KIM ; Hee-Jin KIM ; Seunghee NA ; Kee Hyung PARK ; Young Ho PARK ; Gihwan BYEON ; Jeewon SUH ; Joon Hyun SHIN ; YongSoo SHIM ; YoungSoon YANG ; Yoo Hyun UM ; Seong-il OH ; Sheng-Min WANG ; Bora YOON ; Sun Min LEE ; Juyoun LEE ; Jin San LEE ; Jae-Sung LIM ; Young Hee JUNG ; Juhee CHIN ; Hyemin JANG ; Miyoung CHOI ; Yun Jeong HONG ; Hak Young RHEE ; Jae-Won JANG ;
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2025;24(1):1-23
Background:
and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia.
Methods:
Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.
Results:
Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects.
Conclusions
This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.
5.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Assessment and Treatment Outcome Evaluation: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Oak-Sung CHOO ; Jung Mee PARK ; Euyhyun PARK ; Jiwon CHANG ; Min Young LEE ; Ho Yun LEE ; In Seok MOON ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; Hyun Joon SHIM ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Hyun SEO
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(7):e93-
Background:
Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context.
Methods:
A modified Delphi method involving 26 otology experts from across Korea was used. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to evaluate statements related to tinnitus assessment before and after treatment. Statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 for the level of agreement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement (score of 7–9) and ≤ 15% disagreement (score of 1–3). Statistical measures such as content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) were calculated to assess agreement levels.
Results:
Of the 46 assessment-related statements, 17 (37%) reached consensus, though overall pre-treatment assessments showed weak agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.319). Key areas of agreement included the use of the visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and validated questionnaires for pre-treatment evaluation. Five statements, such as the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography for diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus, achieved over 90% agreement. For treatment outcome measurements, 8 of 12 statements (67%) reached a consensus, with moderate agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.513). Validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests were recommended for evaluating treatment effects within 12 weeks. While standardized imaging for pulsatile tinnitus and additional clinical tests were strongly recommended, full consensus was not achieved across all imaging modalities.
Conclusion
This study provides actionable recommendations for tinnitus assessment and treatment evaluation, emphasizing the use of standardized tools and individualized approaches based on patient needs. These findings offer a practical framework to enhance consistency and effectiveness in tinnitus management within Korean clinical settings.
6.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Treatment: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Junhui JEONG ; Ho Yun LEE ; Oak-Sung CHOO ; Hantai KIM ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Jae-Hyun SEO ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; In Seok MOON ; Hyun Joon SHIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e75-
Background:
Tinnitus is a bothersome condition associated with various mechanisms of action. Although treatment methods vary according to these mechanisms, standardized guidelines would benefit both patients and clinicians. We conducted a Delphi study, a method that collects expert opinions through multiple rounds of questionnaires, to reach a consensus on tinnitus treatment with professional experts.
Methods:
A two-round modified Delphi survey was conducted to develop a clinical consensus on tinnitus treatment. The experts scored each statement on a scale of 1 (highest disagreement) to 9 (highest agreement) for their level of agreement on tinnitus treatment.Consensus was defined when 75% or more of the participants scored 7–9, and 15% or less scored 1–3. To ensure reliability of the responses, the content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were evaluated.
Results:
Approximately 19 of 31 statements reached a consensus. All 3 statements reached a consensus regarding the candidates for treatment. Regarding treatment, 3 of 8 statements on medication, 2 of 2 statements on tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and 5 of 7 statements on auditory rehabilitation reached a positive consensus. Although all 6 statements regarding miscellaneous treatment reached a consensus, most were negatively agreed. For treatment with neuromodulation, none of the 5 statements reached a consensus.
Conclusion
The experts reached a high level of consensus on treatment candidates, tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and auditory rehabilitation in this modified Delphi study. The results of this study can provide beneficial and practical information for clinicians regarding the treatment of tinnitus.
7.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Assessment and Treatment Outcome Evaluation: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Oak-Sung CHOO ; Jung Mee PARK ; Euyhyun PARK ; Jiwon CHANG ; Min Young LEE ; Ho Yun LEE ; In Seok MOON ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; Hyun Joon SHIM ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Hyun SEO
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(7):e93-
Background:
Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context.
Methods:
A modified Delphi method involving 26 otology experts from across Korea was used. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to evaluate statements related to tinnitus assessment before and after treatment. Statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 for the level of agreement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement (score of 7–9) and ≤ 15% disagreement (score of 1–3). Statistical measures such as content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) were calculated to assess agreement levels.
Results:
Of the 46 assessment-related statements, 17 (37%) reached consensus, though overall pre-treatment assessments showed weak agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.319). Key areas of agreement included the use of the visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and validated questionnaires for pre-treatment evaluation. Five statements, such as the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography for diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus, achieved over 90% agreement. For treatment outcome measurements, 8 of 12 statements (67%) reached a consensus, with moderate agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.513). Validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests were recommended for evaluating treatment effects within 12 weeks. While standardized imaging for pulsatile tinnitus and additional clinical tests were strongly recommended, full consensus was not achieved across all imaging modalities.
Conclusion
This study provides actionable recommendations for tinnitus assessment and treatment evaluation, emphasizing the use of standardized tools and individualized approaches based on patient needs. These findings offer a practical framework to enhance consistency and effectiveness in tinnitus management within Korean clinical settings.
8.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Treatment: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Junhui JEONG ; Ho Yun LEE ; Oak-Sung CHOO ; Hantai KIM ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Jae-Hyun SEO ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; In Seok MOON ; Hyun Joon SHIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e75-
Background:
Tinnitus is a bothersome condition associated with various mechanisms of action. Although treatment methods vary according to these mechanisms, standardized guidelines would benefit both patients and clinicians. We conducted a Delphi study, a method that collects expert opinions through multiple rounds of questionnaires, to reach a consensus on tinnitus treatment with professional experts.
Methods:
A two-round modified Delphi survey was conducted to develop a clinical consensus on tinnitus treatment. The experts scored each statement on a scale of 1 (highest disagreement) to 9 (highest agreement) for their level of agreement on tinnitus treatment.Consensus was defined when 75% or more of the participants scored 7–9, and 15% or less scored 1–3. To ensure reliability of the responses, the content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were evaluated.
Results:
Approximately 19 of 31 statements reached a consensus. All 3 statements reached a consensus regarding the candidates for treatment. Regarding treatment, 3 of 8 statements on medication, 2 of 2 statements on tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and 5 of 7 statements on auditory rehabilitation reached a positive consensus. Although all 6 statements regarding miscellaneous treatment reached a consensus, most were negatively agreed. For treatment with neuromodulation, none of the 5 statements reached a consensus.
Conclusion
The experts reached a high level of consensus on treatment candidates, tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and auditory rehabilitation in this modified Delphi study. The results of this study can provide beneficial and practical information for clinicians regarding the treatment of tinnitus.
9.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Assessment and Treatment Outcome Evaluation: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Oak-Sung CHOO ; Jung Mee PARK ; Euyhyun PARK ; Jiwon CHANG ; Min Young LEE ; Ho Yun LEE ; In Seok MOON ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; Hyun Joon SHIM ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Hyun SEO
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(7):e93-
Background:
Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context.
Methods:
A modified Delphi method involving 26 otology experts from across Korea was used. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to evaluate statements related to tinnitus assessment before and after treatment. Statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 for the level of agreement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement (score of 7–9) and ≤ 15% disagreement (score of 1–3). Statistical measures such as content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) were calculated to assess agreement levels.
Results:
Of the 46 assessment-related statements, 17 (37%) reached consensus, though overall pre-treatment assessments showed weak agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.319). Key areas of agreement included the use of the visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and validated questionnaires for pre-treatment evaluation. Five statements, such as the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography for diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus, achieved over 90% agreement. For treatment outcome measurements, 8 of 12 statements (67%) reached a consensus, with moderate agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.513). Validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests were recommended for evaluating treatment effects within 12 weeks. While standardized imaging for pulsatile tinnitus and additional clinical tests were strongly recommended, full consensus was not achieved across all imaging modalities.
Conclusion
This study provides actionable recommendations for tinnitus assessment and treatment evaluation, emphasizing the use of standardized tools and individualized approaches based on patient needs. These findings offer a practical framework to enhance consistency and effectiveness in tinnitus management within Korean clinical settings.
10.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Treatment: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Junhui JEONG ; Ho Yun LEE ; Oak-Sung CHOO ; Hantai KIM ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Jae-Hyun SEO ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; In Seok MOON ; Hyun Joon SHIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e75-
Background:
Tinnitus is a bothersome condition associated with various mechanisms of action. Although treatment methods vary according to these mechanisms, standardized guidelines would benefit both patients and clinicians. We conducted a Delphi study, a method that collects expert opinions through multiple rounds of questionnaires, to reach a consensus on tinnitus treatment with professional experts.
Methods:
A two-round modified Delphi survey was conducted to develop a clinical consensus on tinnitus treatment. The experts scored each statement on a scale of 1 (highest disagreement) to 9 (highest agreement) for their level of agreement on tinnitus treatment.Consensus was defined when 75% or more of the participants scored 7–9, and 15% or less scored 1–3. To ensure reliability of the responses, the content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were evaluated.
Results:
Approximately 19 of 31 statements reached a consensus. All 3 statements reached a consensus regarding the candidates for treatment. Regarding treatment, 3 of 8 statements on medication, 2 of 2 statements on tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and 5 of 7 statements on auditory rehabilitation reached a positive consensus. Although all 6 statements regarding miscellaneous treatment reached a consensus, most were negatively agreed. For treatment with neuromodulation, none of the 5 statements reached a consensus.
Conclusion
The experts reached a high level of consensus on treatment candidates, tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and auditory rehabilitation in this modified Delphi study. The results of this study can provide beneficial and practical information for clinicians regarding the treatment of tinnitus.

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